COLDWATER — Joshua Beatty's life was tragically cut short on April 7, 2012 when he died in a 4-wheeler accident.

Beatty enjoyed sports and the outdoors including wrestling, football, motor sports, hunting and fishing, and he was an active member of 4-H.

Beatty graduated from Union City High School in 2008; he then went on to study at Lincoln College of Technology, from which he graduated in 2010 as a Master Certified Automotive Technician.

Although his passing has left a huge void in the lives of his family, friends and many others, the Beatty family wanted to focus on Joshua's life and bring positivity to the community.

The Joshua Beatty Memorial Scholarship Fund was created with a goal to provide scholarships to high school seniors. The scholarship is available to all Union City High School seniors, Branch County home school seniors and previous winners of the scholarship. Applications are available at Union City High School and the Branch Community Foundation each spring.

In an effort to raise awareness and funding for the JBMSF — a non-profit organization — the family and committee have organized the Joshua Beatty Spooktacular 5K Race and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk to be held Saturday in Union City. The event will take place at Union City Elementary School beginning at 9 a.m., with registration and check in at 8:15 a.m.

Participants are encouraged to "dress in your Halloween best," and the top three finishers of the 5K — in each age category — will receive medals.

Those interested in participating can register the day of the event at a cost of$30 for the 5K and $20 for the 1-Mile Fun Run.

Donations can also be made to the JBMSF at Southern Michigan Bank & Trust in Union City.

"Please consider investing in the future of our youth by honoring the life of a young man who made the world a better place by being a part of it the short time he was lent to us," said Wendy Goodrich, Beatty's Mother.